What you need to know about COVID-19 and how the latest Public Health Order affects your school.
Masks
The statewide mask mandate is lifted and masking policies are up to schools and districts. HOWEVER, it is REQUIRED that those returning to school from five days of self isolation (testing positive) wear a mask for days six through 10.
Testing
Test to Stay will no longer be required. In addition, Test to Stay may include those with community exposure to COVID-19.
Also note:
- Over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID tests taken at home may be used for all testing requirements when accompanied with a signed assurance.
- Two rapid antigen tests taken 24-48 hours apart may be used for ruling out COVID in symptomatic individuals.
- Schools are no longer required to provide student testing programs.
Music
Bell covers on wind instruments are no longer required.
Find additional guidance in this condensed version of the COVID-19 Toolkit.
En Español.
For More Info
The COVID-Response Toolkit contains updated guidelines on all other COVID-safe practices and requirements.
Get Boosted!
Ensuring that you and your family are fully vaccinated (including the booster) remains the best defense against infection. The COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for ages 5 and older. You can register your child here.
April 22, 2022Additional Resources
- NMPED Healthy Schools
- NMPED COVID-19 Resources for Schools
- NMDOH COVID-19 Vaccine Registration
- The NMED Rapid Response Watchlist
- The NMDOH county map
Archived Resources
School Site Visit Status Forms
March 11, 2022 Toolkit
February 9, 2022 Toolkit
January 19, 2022 Toolkit
January 12, 2022 Toolkit
November 2, 2021 Toolkit
November 1, 2021 Toolkit
September 14, 2021 Toolkit
September 2, 2021 Toolkit
August 24, 2021 Toolkit
August 23, 2021 Toolkit
July 26, 2021 Toolkit
- PED Reentry Guidance Document (SY 20-21)
- Reentry District and School Guidance – Addendum A (August 3, 2020)
- NMPED Covid-19 Response Toolkit for Public Schools (SY 20-21)
- Rubric for NMPED Reentry Assurances Document for LEAs (July 9, 2020)
- Summary of Reentry Requirements (June 24, 2020)
- Reentry Taskforce Recommendations (June, 2020)
- Memorandum Regarding Air Filtration Supplements (January 15, 2021)
- February 5, 2021 – NMPED: CTE Guidance: In-Person and Hybrid models
- January 24, 2021 – NMPED: Support for High School Seniors During SY 2020-2021
- December 7, 2020 – NMPED: Family Engagement Guidance
- November 10, 2020 – NMPED: School Activities: Guidance During the Covid-19 Pandemic
- October 5, 2020 – NMPED: Science Lab & Materials Safety
- October 5, 2020 – NMPED: Classroom Math Materials Safety
- October 2, 2020 – NMPED: New Mexico Outdoor Learning
- September 11, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Librarians
- August 7, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Schools on Tribal Lands
- August 5, 2020 – NMPED: NMPED Reentry Webinar Series
- August 4, 2020 – NMPED: Memorandum Regarding Staff Reporting During Remote Learning
- July 30, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Attendance Policies for Reentry
- July 29, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Supporting English Learners and Bilingual Multicultural Programming During Reentry
- July 29, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Supporting Native American Students
- July 29, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Educator Evaluation for School year 2020-2021
- July 28, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Pre-K Programming During Reentry
- July 27, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Remote Instruction
- July 20, 2020 – NMPED: Comprehensive Instructional Support Including Priority Standards for Reentry
- July 13, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Special Education upon Reentry
- July 10, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Virtual Classroom Considerations
- July 9, 2020 – NMPED: Graduation Guidance for Hybrid and Remote Learning
- July 8, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Instructional Acceleration
- July 8, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Formative Assessment and Identifying Learning Needs upon Reentry
- July 8, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Grading Policies for Reentry
- July 6, 2020 – NMPED: Supporting Student Teachers During Reentry
- July 6, 2020 – NMPED: CTE Guidance for Reentry
- May 4, 2021 – NMPED & NMDOH: Student Vaccination FAQ
- May 3, 2021 – NMPED: Emergency Drills Memo
- November 30, 2020 – NMPED: School Health Screenings
- November 16, 2020 – NMPED: Re-Entry Out of School Time (OST) Guidance
- September 21, 2020 – NMPED: Face Coverings and Personal Protective Equipment for Elementary Schools
- September 1, 2020 – NMPED: COVID-19 Safe Practices for NM Educators (Canvas Modules)
- August 5, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Out-Of-School Time Programs
- July 14, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Instructional Hours During Reentry
- July 14, 2020 – NMPED: Homeless Student Referral Form for Community Partners
- July 14, 2020 – NMPED: Homeless Student Check-in Form
- July 14, 2020 – NMPED: Assessing Capacity Form for McKinney-Vento Liaisons
- July 14, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance for Supporting Homeless Students During Reentry
- July 13, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Providing Meals During Reentry
- July 9, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Migrant Education Programs for Reentry
- July 8, 2020 – NMPED: Guidance on Reporting Abuse for Reentry
- July 6, 2020 – NMPED: Supporting Equity Councils During Reentry
- July, 2020 – CYFD: Resources from CYFD for Children and COVID-19
- July, 2020 – CYFD: Helping Children Cope with COVID-19
- July, 2020 – CYFD: How to Prevent COVID-19 for Children
Please direct all health related inquiries to 1-855-600-3453
Para assistencia con situaciónes de salud pública y coronavirus, llamada 1-855-600-3453
For education related inquiries, please call the PED at 505-827-5800
Para assistencia con situaciónes educación, llamada 505-827-5800
OSERS/OSEP will continue to work with state and local leaders to identify any additional areas where it can provide information to support stakeholders in their important work.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit:
ED COVID-19 Information and Resources
www.ed.gov/coronavirus
U.S. Government COVID-19 Information and Resources
www.coronavirus.gov
Quick Links
New Mexico Department of Health
» Public Dashboard
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Learning Management System (LMS) Information
» COVID-19 Safe Practices Modules
» Making Virtual Learning Accessible for All Students
Bureau of Indian Education
» Reopening Plan
Book Donation for NM Kindergarteners: Little Nita’s Big Idea / La gran idea de la pequeña Nita
- Lt. Gov. Howie Morales reads the book out loud in English
- PED literacy director Severo Martinez reads the book out loud in Spanish
- More Information on the Educator Portal